April 21, 2017

Port of Spain, Trinidad: Queen's Park Savannah; things to do

Queen's Park Savannah  

1 mi. N of Woodford Square, between downtown and Northern Range hills. 

Occupying approximately 260 acres, the Queen's Park Savannah is Port of Spain’s largest green space.  The oldest park in the West Indies, it was turned it into a city park in 1817 and is encircled by the world’s largest roundabout.

Queen's Park Savannah as seen from Fort George in Port of Spain, Trinidad
Queen's Park Savannah as seen from Fort George in Port of Spain, Trinidad


          Southeastern End

National Academy for the Performing Arts  

This new building opened in 2009 for the Summit of the Americas.  It houses a 1,200-seat main auditorium as well as additional stages, practice halls, and teaching rooms in the University of Trinidad & Tobago section.

The National Museum & Art Gallery of Trinidad & Tobago


Memorial Square  

Opposite the National Museum. 

Anglican parish Church of All Saints  

This church dates to 1845.

          Northeastern End

The “Magnificent Seven”  

This row of seven extravagant mansions that date back to around 1900 displays a range of colonial architectural fantasy.  Currently the houses are in a state of disrepair, and most are being refurbished.  None are open for tours.

          ●Queen’s Royal College  

This boys’ school was attended by Dr. Eric Williams and the Trinidadian Nobel prizewinner V.S. Naipaul.  It is surrounded by an ornate cast-iron fence.

Queen's Royal College in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad
Queen's Royal College in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad

          ●Hayes Court  

This well-kept, updated home features lovely stonework and glass detail and is now the Anglican bishop’s residence.

          ●Mille Fleurs/Prada House  

Built in 1904 in the style of a typical town house of the period, this early French Renaissance-style mansion is currently the law association headquarters.  It is noted for its wrought iron fretwork.

Mille Fleurs/Prada House in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad
Mille Fleurs/Prada House in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad

          ●Ambard's House/Roomor  

Designed by a French architect, this private residence was constructed in 1904 as a family residence.  Most of the materials were imported--marble from Italy, tiles from France, cast iron elements from Scotland.  After several owners, it was sold in 1940 to Timothy Roodal and is today occupied by Roodal's granddaughter.  The name Roomor is a combination of two family names, Roodal and Morgan.  Constructed almost entirely of wood, it requires constant maintenance.

          ●Archbishop’s Palace  

This Indian-style structure was built by an Irish architect.

Archbishop's Palace in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad
Archbishop's Palace in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad

          ●White Hall  

When renovation is completed, this Moorish Mediterranean-style building will house the Prime Minister’s office.

White Hall in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad
White Hall in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad

          ●Stollmeyer’s Castle/Killarney  

A replica of Balmoral Castle in Scotland, this was built to the specifications of a woman who abandoned it because it was too big.  Currently it serves as the Prime Minister’s office.

Stollmeyer's Castle/Killarney in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad
Stollmeyer's Castle/Killarney in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad


          Northwest Corner

Wildflower Park


Emperor Valley Zoo


Royal Botanical Gardens  

Open daily 6am–6pm.  Free.  Governor Ralph Woodford and botanist David Lockhart, who is buried in a small cemetery here, established these gardens in 1820, making it one of the oldest gardens and oldest collections of exotic plants and trees in the western hemisphere.  More than 200 species grow in the Orchid Display House.  The 25 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds are a favorite among locals for post-zoo picnics.

Royal Botanical Gardens in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad
Royal Botanical Gardens in Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad


          Northern Flank

President’s House  

Located adjacent to the botanical gardens, this mansion is fronted by its own manicured gardens.

roundabout   

This circle provides access to the suburbs of St. Ann’s and Cascade (go left) and the Lady Young Road, which snakes over the foothills to join the highway heading east out of the city.
 

          Eastern Side

More renovation and construction are taking place. 




 
images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyer
Magnificent 7 images courtesy of Trinidad & Tobago Tourism

2 comments:

  1. I drove past Queen's Park Savannah many times while in Port of Spain ( while stuck in traffic!) yet didn't know much about it. I had no idea it was so huge...but the historic buildings are quite impressive that's for sure. It's so great it's been preserved.

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  2. I was in Queen's Park Savannah some years ago - I remember being impressed by the gardens and by the variety of colonial style architecture.

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